Paul,
Steinway hammers are usually more difficult to align than most other
makes, especially if they require a lot of attention. So If you don't
have time to align hammers to strings at the location, or else if the
on-site conditions don't warrant this, then consider the following
advice (also a good idea if replacing hammers).
Be sure not to disturb the position of the hammers after you remove
the action from the piano. In fact make sure the flange screws are
snug. This way you can use the string grooves as a "record" of where
the actual piano strings exist.
Now, at the bench, set up a long, cross-wise "let-off" rack of some
kind that takes in the entire span of all hammers. The cross piece
(let's call it a spanner) must be long enough to attach to upright
supports at each end of the span. You will have to make this yourself
most likely (at least I have felt it necessary), and is easy to do
with a little thought and can be reusable for years to come.
Next figure out a way to secure this rack to the bench such that it
cannot be moved; you slide the action in and out from under it. Be
sure to register the left side of the action frame against the lower
side of the left rack upright (in other words a stop block) such that
you are able to repeatedly locate the action frame against it. Use
pencil marks, tape, whatever as a quick aid.
Now that the rack is stationary, and that you can consistently locate
the action frame fore and aft and to the left, you are good to go.
Next set the spanner of the rack down to the where the hammers would
strike the strings (rule of thumb is shanks are parallel to the
bench). You will have to make adjustments between bass and tenor
hammers.
Now carefully lift each hammer to the spanner and make a pencil mark
on it such that this mark corresponds to the center groove of the
hammer. Do all eighty eight. Now you have the string spacing as it
exists at the piano. Don't confuse hammer grooves which are off-center
on any individual hammer as meaning you must make some sort of
adjustment. All you care about is the center groove of every hammer
regardless how well spaced the grooves appear on any hammer.
No matter how careful you are, you will need to refine a bit at the
piano, but this should be relatively painless.
If you like this idea, and wish to follow up here with some photos of
your set up, we would be happy to comment. Also, write back if the
above is not clear.
Good luck
On Thu, Mar 31, 2011 at 1:00 PM, Paul Milesi wrote:
>
>
> Next week I will be removing the action of a Steinway M to the shop for partial reconditioning. I would appreciate ideas on how to capture and reproduce the string spacing for use in hammer alignment on the bench to facilitate wippen alignment, regulation, etc.
>
> -------------------------------------------
> Paul Milesi, RPT
> Staff Piano Technician
> Howard University Department of Music
> Washington, DC
> (202) 246-3136
>
paul@pmpiano.com
> -------------------------------------------
>
>